The Cloister and the HearthA Tale of the Middle Ages

The son of a simple merchant is being trained to become a clergyman. His relatives are proud happy – until he falls head over heels in love. From that instant his life becomes a struggle: church or marriage?
He flees from his evil enemies and starts travelling. He heads for Italy where he can earn some money with the skills he acquired: penmanship and illumination.
He sees and hears many appalling things about religion and the church. In spite of this, he becomes a monk and wanders throughout the country promoting the faith. Years later, he returns to Holland, where his supposedly deceased love still awaits him.
A charming account of the church, its leaders, religion and the lives of common people.

Trivia:

Also available as graphic novel (1950s).
Made into a film by Cecil M. Hepworth (1913).
Full English text available online.